Budget-Friendly 5-Day Summer Vacation in India: Exploring North to South Gems

Day Day 1: Historic Delhi

Delhi, India on May 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Start your day with an affordable and delicious North Indian breakfast of chole bhature at this iconic budget eatery.
INR100, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Red Fort

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site that represents Mughal architecture and history, a must-see in Delhi.
INR40, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Karim's

Enjoy affordable Mughlai cuisine at one of Delhi’s most famous budget-friendly restaurants near Jama Masjid.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit India Gate and Rajpath

Walk around the iconic India Gate and the Rajpath boulevard for scenic views and photo ops, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Connaught Place

Stroll through this vibrant market area filled with affordable shops and cafes, ideal for budget shopping.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Haldiram’s

Relish a budget Indian vegetarian thali with a wide variety of dishes at this famous chain in Connaught Place.
INR150, 1h0m
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Day Day 2: Royal Jaipur

Jaipur, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Delhi to Jaipur by bus

Start early with a comfortable and budget-friendly bus ride that takes approximately 5 hours to reach Jaipur.
INR500, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar

Enjoy affordable Rajasthani delicacies such as dal bati churma in this popular local restaurant.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit City Palace

Explore the royal complex showcasing Rajasthani and Mughal architecture; ticket prices are budget-friendly.
INR200, 2h0m

4:00pm

Hawa Mahal visit

See the iconic facade of the Palace of Winds; entrance is inexpensive and the surrounding market is great for budget shopping.
INR50, 1h0m

6:00pm

Explore Johari Bazaar

Enjoy window shopping and bargaining for jewelry and souvenirs at budget prices in this lively marketplace.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar

Savor budget-friendly traditional Rajasthani snacks like kachori and sweet jalebi to end the day.
INR150, 1h0m
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Day Day 3: Agra's Wonders

Agra, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel Jaipur to Agra by train

Take an early morning Shatabdi or other budget-friendly train to cover the 240km in about 4 hours.
INR600, 4h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Pinch of Spice

Enjoy delicious yet affordable Mughlai meals close to Agra’s attractions.
INR250, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Taj Mahal

Explore the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage monument; visiting in afternoon cooler hours is comfortable and budget entry is available for Indian nationals.
INR60, 2h0m

3:30pm

Agra Fort tour

Visit the historic and impressive red sandstone fort nearby the Taj Mahal within budget.
INR40, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk along Mehtab Bagh

Enjoy a free relaxing walk and see sunset views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna river.
INR30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Joney’s Place

Experience budget-friendly and tasty Indian and continental dishes in a casual setting near the Taj Mahal area.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day Day 4: Spiritual Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on May 4, 2025

6:00am

Travel Agra to Rishikesh by train and bus

Take an early train to Haridwar (closest major station) followed by a short bus ride to Rishikesh; budget-friendly and scenic.
INR700, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Affordable local vegetarian food with authentic flavors, ideal for budget travelers.
INR150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Laxman Jhula

Walk the suspension bridge and explore ashrams nearby for serene spiritual vibes and scenic views, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Experience the beautiful evening ceremony by the river Ganges, cultural and mesmerizing, free to attend.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Beatles Cafe

A budget-friendly eatery serving both Indian and international dishes with a relaxed vibe.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day Day 5: Divine Haridwar

Haridwar, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Morning walk along Har Ki Pauri

Visit one of the most sacred ghats in India for a spiritual bathing experience and people-watching, free to explore.
Free, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Chotiwala

Enjoy a budget-friendly traditional North Indian breakfast with local flavors.
INR120, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Mansa Devi Temple via cable car

Take an affordable cable car ride for scenic views followed by temple visit on top of the hill; budget friendly and spiritual.
INR150, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Traditional Punjabi Thali at low cost, a great final meal on your trip.
INR200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Travel back to Delhi by bus/train

Return to Delhi in the afternoon, budget options available, approximately 5 hours travel.
INR600, 5h0m
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